Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Book 1

Mona Moon Mystery #1

by Abigail Keam

FIVE STARS! "A most delightful novel." -- Readers' Favorite.

Mona Moon is not your typical young lady. She is a cartographer by trade, explorer by nature, and adventurer by heart. But there’s a problem. Miss Mona is broke. It’s during the Depression, and National Geographic has just turned down her application to join an expedition to the Amazon.What’s she to do? Perhaps get a job as a department store salesgirl. Anything to tide her over until a next assignment.

There’s a knock on the door. Who could this be in the middle of the night? Holding a revolver, Mona reluctantly opens her door to a man wearing a Homburg hat and holding a briefcase.“I bring glad tidings. Your Uncle Manfred Moon has died and left you as his heir to the Moon fortune. You are now one of the richest women in the country!” he says.

Mona’s response is to point her revolver in his face. If the stranger is telling the truth, she will apologize. If he is a fraud, she will shoot him.That’s how Mona does things in 1933.

Murder Under A Blue Moon Murder Under A Blood Moon Murder Under A Bad Moon Murder Under A Silver Moon Murder Under A Wolf Moon Murder Under A Black Moon Murder Under A Full Moon Murder Under A New Moon Murder Under A British Moon Murder Under A Bridal Moon Murder Under A Western Moon Murder Under A Honey Moon
AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking
2019 Top 10 Mystery Novels from Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Blue Moon2
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Top 10 Mystery Novels from Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Blue A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery - Death By A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Bridal A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A British A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy, Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery

282 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2019

About the author

Hello Gentle Reader,

I am Abigail Keam, the award-winning author of the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series and the 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Series.

I am a professional beekeeper and have won 16 awards for my honey. I live in a metal house overlooking the Kentucky River. I have the great fortune to live near some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Bluegrass.

In addition to the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries, I also write the Princess Maura Tales (Epic Fantasy) and the Last Chance Motel Series (Sweet Romance).

I love animals, Kentucky bourbon, and chocolate. Now if they could combine bourbon and chocolate together, I would be in heaven.

I come from a family of storytellers, so it was only natural I would put my stories to paper. I do so hope my tales give you some pleasure and enjoyment. I would certainly love to hear from you. Signing off now to get back to writing. Yours truly,
Miss Abigail

AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine

2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery

2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking

2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon

2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon

2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set during the Great Depression of the 30s, Mona Moon is nothing, if not determined in surviving a time that finds her in New York City, broke, and jobless.

In the middle of the night, Mona is visited by a man who says her uncle has died...and she's now one of the richest women in the country.

Redeeming her estate in Kentucky, she finds that not everyone is happy with her appearance. There was a split in the family some years back and she's going to have to prove that she has what it takes to take over the reins.

Who are her enemies and who are her allies in this world of privilege she knows nothing about? Was her Uncle's death really from natural causes?

This is my first go-around with this author who has done a bang up job in describing life in the 30s. She's certainly done due diligence in researching the times and places. Mona is a distinctly unique character who tackles anything and everything that she faces. This is a highly entertaining mystery, with a fast-paced plot. This is first of a series, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading her following adventures.

Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Under a Blue Moon by Abigail Keam was a great beginning to this series. Ms. Keam is a "new to me" author and I'm glad that I found her. A quickly paced plot with plenty of suspects and a feisty quirky heroine kept me turning the pages. I'll be reading more in this series.

[Cheryl (Super Slump) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.

A cosy this ain't, although technically it does have an amateur sleuth. Mona and her tale grabbed me from the outset - struggling, self made, educated woman who travels the world on expeditions and is a gun-toting cartographer - so not the norm for a woman of her times. It's the 1930s - the Great Depression has struck and Prohibition is in full swing. After landing back in New York jobless and practically penniless, she finds herself the heir to an estate and fortune in the South. Much amusement and danger ensues as she tries to acclimate to the riches and social mores whilst fighting against what is expected of her and a host of hostile relatives. Somebody seems determined to get her out of the way .... did the same thing happen to her benefactor? A highly recommended and refreshing read.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Under a Blue Moon earn 5+/5 Mint Juleps...Totally Engaging Fun!

I couldn’t put it down, even well into the night! It’s 1933, and Madeline Mona Moon is the epitome of a liberated woman, but also unemployed since the expedition she hoped to join declined her participation stating it “would be too taxing for one of the fairer sex.” But “glad tidings” from a stranger drastically changes her plight. Her uncle passed away naming her heir to the considerable Moon fortune, but the catch is she must relocate to Lexington, Kentucky, in the middle of male-dominated horse country, putting her up against the Bluegrass aristocracy, uninvited houseguests, and a contested will. But her challenges become much more dangerous. Her first night is met with an intruder, notes on the death certificate are disturbing casting suspicions surrounding the uncle’s death, and several are reluctant to answer her questions. But it’s what she discovers when investigating...

“What does it mean, Miss Mona?”
“It means murder, Violet. Murder most foul!”

Downton Abbey with southern charm! Abigail Keam had me totally engrossed in Miss Mona‘s upstairs/downstairs drama. Like most first books in a series, authors spend several chapters introducing characters and setting up conflicts before presenting the crime, but with Keam’s book, I wasn’t impatient for the drama to ramp up, relishing the vivid descriptions and dialogue that tickled my senses and filled me with lots of emotions...I literally cheered reading the first confrontation with Aunt Melanie...you go, girl! The story is well-written, and although the third-person narrative isn’t my favorite perspective, Abigail did it well putting several characters at the center of this page-turner. I like Violet and her budding confidence, cringed over her aunt and those entitled brats, and what a delightful love/hate relationship between “bossy wench” and the “very smug” Lord Bob! Of course, everything revolves around Mona, and I love her spunky manner, snarky retort, ability to read a situation and act accordingly, and her being able to identify with the working class, creating a well-grounded, admirable figure. The end was unexpected. I still had too many on my suspect list by the time Mona was ready to “use it [the final puzzle piece] as a cudgel and hit someone over the head with it.” It is a different era, so a woman’s place in society, even in post 19th Amendment, is dismissive at least, oppressive at most. Even if you’ve reached a level of experience, education, or financial independence, “men” often do not take you seriously. Warning to all southern gentlemen...watch out for Mona!

Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Under A Blue Moon
A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Book 1
Abigail Keam
5 Stars


Synopsis:

Mona Moon is not your typical young lady. She is a cartographer by trade, explorer by nature, and adventurer by heart. But there’s a problem.
Miss Mona is broke. It’s during the Depression, and National Geographic has just turned down her application to join an expedition to the Amazon.
What’s she to do? Perhaps get a job as a department store salesgirl. Anything to tide her over until a next assignment.
There’s a knock on the door. Who could this be in the middle of the night? Holding a revolver, Mona reluctantly opens her door to a man wearing a Homburg hat and holding a briefcase.
“I bring glad tidings. Your Uncle Manfred Moon has died and left you as his heir to the Moon fortune. You are now one of the richest women in the country!” he says.
Mona’s response is to point her revolver in his face. If the stranger is telling the truth, she will apologize. If he is a fraud, she will shoot him.
That’s how Mona does things in 1933. (Goodreads)



Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Mona is a feisty, smart and independent woman. These descriptions were not readily applied to women in the 1930’s, although I am sure there were a lot of women like that back then. I really enjoyed getting to know this no-nonse woman and all of the other characters that I met. The cast of characters was great.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author seems very knowledgeable about this time period and that lent an authenticity to this book and kept me fully engaged. And it helped that there was an intriguing mystery as well.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery. If you enjoy reading about past eras, grab this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeline Mona Moon is a cartographer. She has traveled extensively charting areas for archaeologists as well as large companies. Her life has been one of adventure and she has learned to take care of herself.

Just when she is feeling very poor, she finds that she has inherited a fortune.

Her father left his wealthy family in order to marry her mother. Since that time, no member of his family has ever attempted to connect to Mona.

Mona knew only about her extended family by what her mother told her. But, even those stories did not prepare her for the enormous wealth which was now hers. She also did not know that there were people who would happily kill her in order to get to that money.

This is a fun story. There are twists and turns around every corner. There are also “accidents” which seem to happen only to Mona.

Mona is a strong character who is smart and quick. She is not sure who to trust, and being careful saves her life more than once.

The family members, as well as the servants, are not certain about whether they can trust Mona. But, several servants try to quietly let her know she should be careful.

The characters are all important to the story. Each of them add to the atmosphere and the sense of place. Among the fictional characters, there are a few real people thrown in to the mix.

The plot is fast moving as well as entertaining. And there is humor along the way,

Mona is a quick study and before very long, she is a perfect upper class woman. She can wear beautiful clothes and be overbearing along with the rest of the upper class.

I liked this book very much. Ms Keam is a new to me author, but I will look for more books she has written.

[Swan Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story to stumble upon. Mona is quite the character and I would love to follow this series and learn more of her adventures and how things develop for her and her family and relations. She is transplanted from NY to Kentucky and seems to address the southern ways quite well without giving in to their hypocrisy. I like this character.

[Andree · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not good... but also weirdly entertaining.

The dialogue felt a bit stilted, the entire secondary cast felt a bit overly dramatic, Mona Moon is a bit too much of a character trope of a plucky 1920s female who's had to pull herself up by her bootstraps.

But then, I never expected it to be great literature, and it's readable. I'm pretty sure this was a free e-book, and I could pick it up again easily after drifting away from it about a month ago, SO.

[Michaeleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading “Murder Under a Blue Moon” by Abigail Keam! I have been a fan of Josiah Reynolds who is the heroine in Abigail Keam’s book series which starts with “Murder By A Honeybee”! I have been curious about Abigail Keam’s other series with the heroine of Mona Moon! I have been following Abigail on Facebook and Instagram and noticed a giveaway! I was so thrilled to win this 1st book about Mona Moon! Although very different from Josiah, I can say that I quickly became invested in Mona as well! Thank you Abigail Keam! I so appreciate a series that makes me laugh out loud! Both Mona and Josiah are very endearing!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mona is a heroine worthy of the female detective genre. She's whip smart, doesn't take any guff from anyone, especially not the misogynistic men she encounters. Mona would fit right in with Violet Carlyle, she's a modern woman with her own mind. The author built a rich world with great characters both lovable and loathsome, everything is described in vivid detail. The story moves along at a good pace and the insight from the other characters point of view adds a layer to the story. Cannot wait to see what adventures await Mona!

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Mysteries in this Era

An intelligent single woman with only modest means receives an unexpected inheritance. A big inheritance. But family she never met resent her as they expected to inherit. Mona Moon is no pushover, and will not let the aunt and cousins bully her. But something is amiss at the mansion. And Mona is going to find out what is going on. I loved the mystery. But even more, I loved how Mona did not let anyone push her around. She faced confrontation head on, and she did it well. Oh my, the day she moved into the mansion, loved her response.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, It's great to discover a new (to me) author. Mona Moon is my favorite kind of heroine, strong and capable. I'll be waiting for the next installment. This book grabbed me in the first chapter. I will definitely try the other series. I would like to note that I seldom write reviews, but I read a lot. Also I have Kindle Unlimited and don't usually try a series if it's not included. This was a free book and it caught my interest. I do buy books not included in KU, but will buy books by authors I really like, this series meets my criteria.

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Under the New Moon

A great first Inna series. A admirer of historical cozy fiction would fall in love with Mona Moon. A strong independent woman of the 1930's with a platinum hair and golden eyes. In this first book the reader is introduced to Mona, and she solves the murder of her grandfather and makes her way into her staffs heart. You will not be disappointed with the Abigail Keam's plot and creation of her characters.

[Earla Eskew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written characters

I really enjoyed the book. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it as it's set in the 30's. I really liked Mona being a strong woman and adventurer. She reminds me of Amelia Peabody. The rest of the characters are well written as is the plot. I liked adding real historical places too, like the information on the train station in Cincinnati. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Carol Eubank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consistently excellent entertainment!

As always, Ms. Keam has written a highly entertaining, wonderful, mystery. You can picture the background for the story due to the authors ability to paint vivid descriptions of surroundings, even down to describing expressions on the characters faces. Wonderful story!!

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A main character I really enjoyed. Never mind allowing one's self to be manipulated or use to be nice, fit it, and get along. Or to create something to overcome in a plot. Getting the better of that housekeeper and throwing that family out was a joy to read. Scares me to read the next book, you know how seconds sometimes are, BUT I will. Pretty good mystery.

[robert clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women power

I have read all of your Josiah books and loved them!!! Now you have shown me a new woman who also is in charge of her life, just as aGod has allowed me to be in charge of my life with Him leading me. I know God is. To part of your books, but He is part of mine and I thank Him for guiding me to authors I can enjoy!!!! Keep on writing, you give me such joy!! Holly

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting cozy mystery

This book has everything! There is murder, repeated attempted murder, historical references, and even some romance. Mona Moon with Lord Farley’s help put together the puzzle pieces to unearth the culprits. I really enjoyed this mystery and believe you will too.

[Patricia Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so wrong

I loved the Josiah Reynolds series by the same author and just thought that this wouldn't be as enjoyable and entertaining to read. WRONG! Completely different time period and characters but obviously as well written as her other series. This is another amazing series that I'm looking forward to losing myself in each book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best new series I’ve started in a long time. I loved the characters and the story. Loved Mona’s spunk. She seemed to be handing out money pretty freely and I was worried she’d run out. But that is my own worry not in the book. Start this series. You will love it.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

Easy read, Mona is a fun, strong character. I couldn't help but laugh at how well she handled herself! I can hardly wait for book 2 to see how the characters develop.

[Lynn De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant

I LOVE this new series! Mona Moon is a friend we should all have, she's one of a kind. The adventures are abundant, the characters are delightfully charming and mystery will keep you engaged.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, strong heroine

I really liked this book. Mona is interesting and feisty and has to handle a mystery right away or die. I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series. I forgot this author wrote another series I enjoyed very much.

[Dympna Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light Moon

Abigail Keam has entertained me before, and I was not disappointed with this starter for a series new to me.
Light and enjoyable, the book just disappeared and I will be reading the others too.
Recommended, as are all her books.

[Rosemary Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail Keam is one of my favorite authors!

I started this series after thoroughly enjoying the series about Josiah. Interesting characters who I hope will develop through the series!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series for me

During these long and boring social isolating times, it was nice to read something light and entertaining. Well, except for the deaths and attempted murder plots. But, let's face it, you can't have a murder mystery without a death!

[Shirley Flinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I really enjoyed this book, I love the era and I love Kentucky as the local. Mona reminds me of Miss Fisher the Aussie heroine of the same era. So if you liked Miss. Fisher’s mysteries you will love this series.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a "new to me" author and if this story is a fair example of their writing, I will be reading more. The characters were strong, fun, and very believable. The plot was easily followed and had a surprise ending. I very much do recommend this book to all cozy mystery readers.

[Patricia Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could t put it down

I began it because I love the era, love mysteries, and, of course, female protagonists. But this book exceeded my expectations. It wasn’t a short, wham bam thank you ma’am book, either. Great fiction, and environs, fabulous protagonist.

[Beth Birnbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing that came into my head was, "What a fun book."
Sometimes you don't need blood and guts and autopsies and grim. Sometimes, you just need fun.
Mona Moon fits the bill. Witty, sharp, fast and memorable, I enjoyed every page.